Hundreds of thousands of Onewheel electric skateboards are being recalled by Future Motion after it was revealed that four people have died while using them since 2019. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) made the announcement, stating that the self-balancing skateboards have also caused injuries including traumatic brain injuries, concussions, paralysis, and fractures. The CPSC has identified that the skateboards can stop balancing the rider if the board’s limits are exceeded, posing a crash hazard that could result in serious injury or death. The agency has advised owners to immediately stop using the skateboards.
The four reported deaths were the result of head trauma, with the CPSC noting that in at least three cases, the riders were not wearing helmets. Future Motion is taking action by introducing a Haptic Buzz alert functionality through a software update for certain Onewheel models. This vibration warning system will notify riders when they could be at risk of a crash, giving them the opportunity to slow down and lean back. However, the original Onewheel model and Onewheel+ are not eligible for the update and should no longer be used. A $100 credit towards the purchase of a new board is being offered to owners of those models.
The recall affects approximately 300,000 Onewheel skateboards that were sold online and at independent stores between January 2014 and September 2023, with prices ranging from $1,050 to $2,200. Future Motion is proactively reaching out to known purchasers of the products. Onewheel has emphasized that rider safety is their top priority and strongly encourages all riders to wear helmets and other protective gear while using their skateboards. The company is committed to addressing the issue to ensure the long-term success and safety of the sport.